Canadian High School athletic director and football coach, Chris Koetting, took time out of a busy schedule to present the regular meeting program on Sept. 3. Coach spoke from the heart as he talked about the young athletes and coaches who dedicate so much time and effort to master the game of football. Wildcat pride and respect runs far and wide in the community of Canadian, and it is not given, but earned.

Coach Koetting received a hopeful chuckle from the crowd when he confessed to shaving off his beard to change the injury mojo that seems to have plagued them early in the season. He fielded questions from several Rotarians regarding coaching staff and the roster, but the writer was too busy listening to take good notes. Michael Gardiner recounted a story of praise from a non-local regarding the sportsmanship exhibited by the Wildcats. Wendie Cook stressed how important it was that the coaches were dedicated to developing young men of character, not just winning football games. Coach Koetting had all of us ready to hit the bleachers and cheer on those Wildcats.

The motto for the Wildcats this year is “Unfinished Business,” and we believe that they can finish it! Taken from the Canadian ISD website is this statement from Coach Koetting, which certainly sums it all up:

From the Athletic Director: “We appreciate the commitment that so many of our young people make to support the programs in Canadian. Those athletes that give the “extra effort” to improve are the backbone of the tradition of excellence we enjoy. We feel strong about what athletics teach our young people. Athletics are an excellent opportunity for learning lessons of sportsmanship, determination, acceptance of responsibility, teamwork, goal-setting, and self-confidence. It teaches us how to handle the successes, as well as the failures of life. We hope that our athletes will benefit from these lessons. We want them to become citizens of character and integrity.”

Club business:

Rotarian Jay Michelsen brought the Professional Issue of the Day, addressing the legal challenges regarding photo evidence, noting that while today’s technology has solved many problems, it has also provided a whole host of new ones.

President Shane Harris thanked everyone for their outstanding efforts on the Labor Day flag duty and reminded all that flag service will be coming around again for the Fall Foliage Festival on Oct. 18 and 19. Our esteemed guest, Julika Behrens of Germany, not only graced us with her presence, but arose early to serve on said flag duty.

Our one-and-only piano maestro, Pat Popham, led us in song, with the quiet assistance of Shane Harris. Thank you, Pat, for always making us sound better than we are. Judge George won a free lunch and then awarded John Haley with a chance to win the Wildcat Jackpot, but to no avail. The Wildcat Jackpot is still growing and evading a winner.

Rotarian Erbin Crowell was noted as having a birthday and celebrating 105 years. Happy Birthday, Erbin!

Rotarians, grab a friend and join us next week on Tuesday to enjoy a program on the upcoming Tri-State Fair in Amarillo.